Tonuco Petroglyphs and Fluorite Mine

📅 Date & Time: March 15 | 8:15 AM – Approx. 3:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location: Dairy Queen (Transmountain & I-10)
🚙 Trip Leaders: Educator Brian Gillis & Geologist Paul Gavan
📩 Contact: Brian Gillis – 915-861-2990

Join us for an adventurous exploration of Tonuco Mountain, where we will uncover ancient petroglyphs and historical mining sites. This trip offers a unique opportunity to:

• Study early regional petroglyphs and learn about their historical significance and classification.
• Explore sandstone boulders to locate and interpret these ancient carvings.
• Visit an abandoned barite and fluorite mine from the early 1900s and discover fascinating mining techniques of the past.

⚠ Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
🥾 Distance: ~2 miles round trip
⛰ Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
🚗 Vehicle Requirements: 4-wheel drive highly recommended for the last mile, which involves a soft, sandy riverbed. If you don’t have one, plan to carpool from the meeting location.

✔ 3-4 liters of water
✔ Snacks & sack lunch (to eat at the summit)
✔ Sturdy hiking shoes
✔ Hat & sunscreen
✔ Walking stick (for stability on rocky terrain)

🚗 8:00 AM – Meet at Dairy Queen (Transmountain & I-10)
🚙 8:15 AM – Depart in caravan toward Tonuco Mountain (~1-hour drive)
🥾 9:30 AM – Start hike to petroglyphs & mine site
🍽 Lunch Break at Summit
🕒 Approx. 3:00 PM – Return to vehicles & caravan back

This challenging yet rewarding trip combines archaeology, history, and geology in one incredible outdoor experience.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

6990 N Desert Blvd, 6990 North Desert Boulevard, El Paso, United States